Is lead poisoning in kids still a big issue?

Childhood lead poisoning has been declining, but it's still a serious concern. Elevated levels of lead in the blood can damage a developing child's brain and nervous system.

Consequences can include problems with speech, hearing, learning, and behavior (like hyperactivity and aggression), as well as poor muscle coordination and stunted growth. High levels of lead can result in intellectual disability, coma, convulsions, and even death.

Fortunately, the number of children exposed to lead has gone down steadily since 1997, when, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 7 percent of the children tested had high levels of lead in their blood.

In 2006, just over 1 percent of the children tested had elevated levels of lead. And the numbers are continuing to drop, thanks to awareness of the problem and the banning and phasing out of lead-based products.

Children most commonly get lead poisoning between 1 and 2 years of age, when they're crawling around on the floor and putting their hands in their mouth. But exposure at any age can be dangerous.

Because children's bodies are smaller and still developing, children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of lead (and other contaminants, for that matter). For their size, they eat more food, drink more water, and breathe more air than adults.

How does lead get into a child's body?

Kids can take in lead by breathing or swallowing lead dust or by eating soil or paint chips that contain lead. Lead is not absorbed through the skin.

Drinking water (used to make formula and for cooking) is another source of lead, especially in older homes. You can't see, smell, or taste the lead, and boiling the water won't eliminate it.

Even children who aren't chewing on paint chips can get lead into their system if there's lead-based paint in or around their home or another building they spend time in.

Doors and window frames covered with lead paint release tiny particles of lead dust into the air every time they're opened or closed. Kids may breathe in this lead dust or pick it up on their hands when it settles on floors and furniture. Once the lead dust is on their hands, it's a quick trip to their mouth when they lick their fingers or eat with their hands.

Pregnant women with elevated levels of lead in their blood can transfer lead to their unborn baby.

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